I am very proud.

[ChazInAz]

On Monday, my best friend Bill and his adopted son Alias will speak before Congress. Bill's not a polished speaker, and I know he's going to get emotional. They will be talking about Brigada's Syndrome, the hard-to-spot genetic heart defect that took Alias's twin brother Rocky three years ago at the age of fifteen. Alias, naturally, has it too. Usually the first symptom of it is when you enter puberty and drop dead without any warning. If you're really lucky you might have a remote chance of reaching thirty, but no older. There's no cure. Alias has a pacemaker installed, and carries a defib box with him everywhere.
When we lost Rocky, he was taken to Children's Mercy Hospital, where he saved many lives through organ donations
So...yeah. Bill's going to be emotional. I don't blame him, I will be, too.

[mercuryblues]

1. Best wishes to him

[LoisB]

2. I wish Bill and Alias well. Emotional is quite alright. Who wouldn't be if your child suddenly died at the age

15? I am very sorry for your friend Bill's loss and hope for a medical breakthrough for Alias.

[Deuxcents]

3. I hope his testimony makes a difference.🌺

[magicarpet]

4. We erroniously think we have a heavy and overwelming load to bear,...

... but others are so much more burdened with life's twists and turns.

We just have to keep an eye on each other so we can endure what life dishes out at us - and remember to share a laugh and smile as frequently as we can.

[Biophilic]

5. Thank you for sharing this.

Whenever I think enough is enough I find others’ stories that make me realize how lucky I’ve been and continue to be. I wish them both well whatever support I can give.

[surfered]

6. Tragic. Good luck. At my age, dropping dead suddenly would seem like a blessing.

Not trying to minimize your story, just stating a fact.

[Think. Again.]

7. Thank you to Bill and to Alias. They are honoring Rocky extremely well.

[Figarosmom]

8. I hope hes treated with respect

And wish him good results.

[Permanut]

9. Best wishes.

and thanks to them both for making this presentation.